Trends in fast foods and sugar‐sweetened beverages consumption in South Korea

Abstract

AimsTo examine the trends in fast‐foods (FF) and sugar‐sweetened beverages (SSB) consumption and its association with socioeconomic status (SES) using nationally representative data.MethodsData from the four Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (KNHANES) in 1998, 2001, 2005, and 2007–2009 for 49 826 Korean aged ≥1 y were used. Logistic regression models tested the associations between SES, indicated by residence and family income levels, and FF and SSB, controlled for covariates. Complex sampling design was took into account.ResultsWesternized FF consumption has increased in boys, men, adults, and low‐income groups, and SSB consumption doubled over time (54.7g/day to 111.2g/day, p<0.05). However, Korean style FF decreased (p<0.05). The proportion consuming Westernized FF and SSB doubled regardless of gender (p<0.05). In 1998, compared to low income and rural resident group, the high income and urban resident group was more like to consume Westernized FF [OR=26.7 (3.7, 193.4)] and SSB [OR=3.1 (2.4, 4.1)], respectively. But in recent years the patterns changed. The high income and urban resident group was more like to have Korean style FF [OR=2.0 (1.3, 2.9)] and SSB [OR=1.7 (1.3, 2.1)].ConclusionsConsumption of Westernized FF and SSB increased in South Korea the past decade. SSB consumption doubled. The high income and urban residents group was more like to consume FF and SSB.Grant Funding Source: NIH U54 HD070725‐01 and Korea Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (No. 2011E3501000)